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PicaChoc36

The PicaChoc36 is a low-profile split keyboard for short pinkies. Shared by zzeneg.

KBD.news
Published January 12, 2023
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Evgenii Vilkov aka zzeneg, after experimenting with stagger (Pica40, published his low-profile PicaChoc36 – a 36-key wired/wireless split keyboard.

Presenting my first low profile split keyboard. After my experiments with aggressive stagger I thought that it's not enough and I still have to move my hand to reach top pinky keys (Q/P) and it would be more comfortable to have these keys on the side instead. For the sake of the experiment I wanted to try choc V1 switches with choc spacing as well – zzeneg.

Specs

  • 36 keys
  • Choc spacing
  • soldered (no hotswap)
  • reversible PCB
  • XIAO controllers
  • wired/wireless support
  • rotary encoder (EC12E1220301)
  • TRRS or USB-C connection
  • very low profile: no bottom plate, no hotswap
  • thick top plate so switches are soldered almost flush with the PCB (inspired by the 3w6)
  • low-pro encoder knob taken from KLOTZ by _GEIST_

For the case Sadek Baroudi's guide on designing keyboard cases was used – published in the 2022 advent calendar.

[…]it turned out to be very fun (and cheaper than sandwich PCB/metal cases).

Resources

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Published on Thu 12th Jan 2023. Featured in KBD #111 (source).

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